Unusual Complications of Infective Endocarditis
Unusual clinical course, Challenging differential diagnosis, Diagnostic / therapeutic accidents, Management of emergency care
Maria S. Bonou, Eva D. Papadimitraki, Chris J. Kapelios, John Barbetseas, Nora-Athina Viniou
Department of Cardiology, Laiko General Hospital, Athens, Greece
Am J Case Rep 2020; 21:e923023
DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.923023
Available online: 2020-07-17
Published: 2020-08-27
BACKGROUND:
Despite advances in management, infective endocarditis remains a condition with high in-hospital and post-discharge mortality, especially when it is complicated by perivalvular extension and heart failure (HF).
CASE REPORT:
Herein we describe two illustrative cases of endocarditis. The first case was complicated by left ventricle to right atrial fistula. The second cased was complicated by valvular perforation with a “windsock” appearance. Both patients developed acute HF.
CONCLUSIONS:
Fistulas and severe valvular regurgitation are among the major causes of acute HF in the setting of infective endocarditis. In such cases, surgery should be considered to decrease mortality.
Keywords: Endocarditis, Heart Failure, Staphylococcus aureus
